The man who died at a Waihi mine last night can now be named.
Tipiwai Stainton, a 29-year-old male from Western Bay of Plenty, died following a workplace accident at OceanaGold Mine, Waihi following an incident in the early evening of Thursday July 28, 2016.
The accident is currently under investigation and the company is cooperating with Police authorities and WorkSafe New Zealand to determine the cause.
“We are all deeply saddened by this tragic event,” says Mick Wilkes, President and CEO. “It is a sobering reminder that the health and safety of our workforce is paramount each and every day. On behalf of all employees at OceanaGold, I offer our deepest prayers and condolences to the family of the worker and employees of the mine.”
Melbourne-based OceanaGold operates mines in New Zealand, the Philippines and the United States and Stainton is their first recorded death according to mine manager Bernie O'Leary.
Police have handed the scene over to Worksafe New Zealand and are assisting them with their inquiries. Police are also continuing investigations on behalf of the Coroner.
The Waihi operation has been suspended while the investigation is conducted.